Probationary Patrolman Patrick Cotter

Patrick Cotter

Patrolman Patrick Cotter was shot and killed while attempting to arrest a suspect who had just fired two shots at a female after a dispute. Patrolman Cotter was walking his beat in the vicinity of East 188th Street and Belmont Avenue in the Bronx, when he heard the sound of gunfire. Patrolman Cotter ran in the direction of the shots where he observed the suspect fleeing, with several citizens in pursuit.

Patrolman Cotter joined the chase and before long he was right on the heals of the suspect. In front of 2416 Hughes Avenue, Patrolman Cotter lifted his night stick to strike the suspect, but the suspect turned and fired two shots, striking Patrolman Cotter in the chest.

An off-duty Patrolman heard the shots and raced from his house, and was able to apprehend the suspect, who was later charged with murder.

Patrolman Cotter was removed to the hospital, but died before he arrived.

Patrolman Cotter had been a member of the New York City Police Department for 6 months and his Probationary period was to end in just six days. Before serving with the Police Department, Patrolman Cotter was a member of the United States Army.